DOVER — St. Thomas Aquinas High School announced Gina (McCabe) Pike, class of 1971, as the recipient of the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award. As part of St. Thomas’ Homecoming celebration on Friday, Oct. 12, Gina was presented with this honor by Principal Kevin Collins during halftime of the night football game.

A devoted faculty member at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Gina recently celebrated 30 years at the school. It is estimated that she has taught and enriched the lives of nearly 5,000 students. In that time, she has moderated service-oriented organizations like Key Club and has worked intimately both with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and the Student Advisory Board (SAB). Gina has constantly worked to serve St. Thomas students, faculty, and the community as a whole.

At the 2012 Baccalaureate celebration, St. Thomas Aquinas High School presented Year of Service awards to faculty and staff members. For 30 years of service, St. Thomas Aquinas traditionally presents a beautiful wooden chair as a gift. In lieu of a chair, Gina Pike asked that the funds be given instead to a member of the senior class to help them defray the costs of college. It is precisely this compassionate and generous spirit that has endeared her to all who know her.

Gina is also proud to be the mother of two STA graduates, Justin, ‘99 and Jillian, ‘04, the mother-in-law of Becky Pike and Bobby Cote (‘04) and the grandmother of Norah Elizabeth Pike and Adalyn Jane Cote.

The St. Thomas community is honored to present this award to a person who not only believes in the mission of St. Thomas, but has continued to live her life as a journey to make a difference in the world.